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INDUSTRY NEWS

A polymer consulting centre offers customers a package of services geared to a product’s entire life cycle. Chris O’Connor (right), who heads the centre, is pictured with Smithers Rapra analytical laboratory manager Andy Golbey.

Smithers Rapra (Shawbury, UK) has announced the opening of a polymer consulting centre at its UK headquarters. Described as a hub of plastics and rubber materials expertise, the centre hopes to foster the development of innovative solutions. A collaborative multidisciplinary approach is supported by on-site analytical and testing laboratories, according to the firm.

The centre is designed to provide customers with a complete package of services encompassing a product’s entire life cycle from material selection to recycling. “There are a host of technical service providers offering manufacturers various testing, analytical, and technology services,” notes technology manager Chris O’Connor, who heads the new centre. However, many of these service providers are “aligned to materials suppliers. We are giving customers a combination of independent technical expertise on one site,” says O’Connor.

The technology centre also will provide European customers with convenient access to all of the technology and scientific companies that make up the Smithers Group. Its technical and research contract services reach well beyond the materials realm to include chemical toxicology, biotechnology, and quality assessment services.

To learn more about the polymer consulting centre, contact Smithers Rapra Ltd., Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4NR, UK; phone: +44 1939 250383; fax: +44 1939 251118; e-mail: info@rapra.net; Internet: www.rapra.net.